Reformation had adept politicians. Again, this is not to be explained by any kind of national character, any kind of genetic weakness or strength. In another generation the situation could have been completely reversed. Cranmer, Latimer, and Ridley, the three bishops who led the Reformation in its first phase, were men of deep faith and firmly committed to the reform of the Church. They intended to carry through this reform without schism. This intention seemed quite realistic considering the fact